Motorcycle tour
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Motorcycle tour · Hunza, Gojal (Upper Hunza), Skardu
Grand Gilgit-Baltistan Loop
A long-form ride linking Hunza and Khunjerab, the Skardu road, Shigar, Khaplu and Deosai, returning through Astore to Gilgit.
- Duration
- 16 days
- Highest point
- 4,693 m
- Difficulty
- Demanding
- Season
- July–September
- Price
- Price to be confirmed
Photo: Preston Rhea · CC BY-SA 2.0
Overview
This concept strings the region's main riding roads into one journey: the Karakoram Highway to Hunza, Gojal and the Khunjerab Pass; back down to Jaglot and up the Indus on the Skardu road; side rides to Shigar and Khaplu; then the crossing of Deosai to Astore and back to Gilgit.
It is a full summer expedition by motorcycle, combining paved highway, high passes and remote unpaved plateau riding, and it depends on every seasonal road being open at the same time. Reserve days are built in, and the order can be reversed. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
- The Khunjerab Pass at about 4,693 m
- The Indus gorge on the Skardu road
- Shigar Fort and Khaplu Palace
- Crossing the Deosai plateau
Itinerary
Day 1
Gilgit
Arrival, briefing and gear check.
Overnight: Gilgit
Day 2
Gilgit to Karimabad
North on the Karakoram Highway. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
Overnight: Karimabad
Day 3
Karimabad to Passu
Through the Attabad tunnels into Gojal.
Overnight: Passu
Day 4
Khunjerab Pass and back
Via Sost to the pass and back down.
Overnight: Passu or Sost Highest point: 4,693 m
Day 5
Passu to Gilgit
Back down the Karakoram Highway.
Overnight: Gilgit
Day 6
Gilgit to Skardu
South to Jaglot and up the Indus gorge on the S-1.
Overnight: Skardu
Day 7
Skardu to Shigar
Short ride and fort visit.
Overnight: Shigar
Day 8
Shigar to Skardu
Return and rest afternoon.
Overnight: Skardu
Day 9
Skardu to Khaplu
East along the river valley.
Overnight: Khaplu
Day 10
Khaplu
Palace and town.
Overnight: Khaplu
Day 11
Khaplu to Skardu
Return west.
Overnight: Skardu
Day 12
Skardu across Deosai
Via Sadpara onto the plateau, past Sheosar Lake, down to Chilim.
Overnight: Chilim area (to be confirmed) Highest point: 4,250 m
Day 13
Chilim to Astore
Down the Astore valley.
Overnight: Astore
Day 14
Astore to Gilgit
Down to the Karakoram Highway and north to Gilgit.
Overnight: Gilgit
Days 15–16
Reserve days and departure
Buffer for road closures and weather; trip ends in Gilgit.
Overnight: Gilgit
Practical information
- Format
- Guided
- Rider requirements
- Provisional: experienced adventure rider, confident on tarmac, gravel and rough unpaved tracks
- Provisional: able to ride consecutive long days at altitude in cold and heat
- Suitable for
- Motorcyclists, Explorers, Photographers
What’s included
Included
- Sample concept: guided riding with a local road captain (team and arrangements to be confirmed)
- Sample concept: 4x4 support vehicle with fuel reserve, spares and luggage
- Sample concept: hotels and guesthouses throughout
- Sample concept: breakfasts, dinners and packed lunches
- Sample concept: national park and monument entry arrangements (fees to be confirmed)
- Sample concept: emergency communication carried by the guide (to be confirmed)
Not included
- Motorcycle hire (fleet and terms not confirmed)
- Riding gear
- Fuel (arrangements to be confirmed)
- Travel and motorcycle insurance
- International and domestic flights
- Extra nights beyond the reserve days caused by road closures
What to bring
Essential
- Important riding gear: adventure helmet with anti-fog visor and goggles for unpaved sections
- Waterproof armoured adventure suit with removable thermal liner
- Adventure boots, knee guards and back protector
- Summer gloves plus insulated waterproof winter gloves
- Thermal base layers and a windproof neck tube
Optional and useful
- Heated vest
- Dust buff and spare visor
- Hydration pack
- Compact laundry kit for a long trip
Good to know
Important notes and restrictions
- Relies on Khunjerab, the Skardu road and Deosai all being open; landslides and monsoon rain (July–August) can force route changes.
- Conditions range from hot valley afternoons to sub-zero mornings at 4,000 m+ within the same trip.
- Order, overnights and day count are provisional and would be reviewed against current road conditions.
- Licence, insurance and document requirements to be confirmed before publication.
Photos
Route and region
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Start shaping your journeyGrand Gilgit-Baltistan LoopPrice to be confirmed
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